What can I do with a major in Geography?
Geography is the study of the interrelationships between the earth and its people; it is considered both a social and natural science. It focuses on climate, land, water, space, mineral resources, population density, changes in environment, and how man adapts to them. Geographical study encompasses human geography, economic geography, physical geography, political geography, medical geography, regional geography, and educational geography.
Related Occupations:
| Anthropologist |
Cartographer |
Cartographer |
| Technician |
Climatologist |
Computer Mapper |
| Ecologist |
Educator |
Environmental Scientist |
| Environmental Technician |
Geographer |
Geologist |
| Geomorphologist |
Geophysicist |
Historian |
| International Economist |
Landscape Architect |
Market Research Analyst |
| Meteorologist |
Oceanographer |
Petrologist |
| Photogrammetrist |
Photogrammetric |
Technician |
| Photographer |
Political Scientist |
Research Assistant |
| Seismologist |
Sociologist |
Soil Conservationist |
| Surveyor |
Urban Planner |
Possible employers of Geography majors:
| Engineering Companies |
Construction Companies |
| Oil Companies |
State / Federal Government |
| Research Laboratories |
Urban Planners |
| Colleges / Universities |
Colleges / Universities |
| Utility Companies |
Skills important for Geography majors:
- Ability to operate, and use information derived from computers
- Ability to understand and interpret maps, graphs and charts
- Acute spatial and form perception
- Good vision and finger dexterity
- Thorough understanding of geographical principles and statistical techniques
- Ability to analyze, make appropriate decisions and solve quantitative problems
- Ability to conduct and clearly explain scientific research
- Aptitude for accurate details
- Intellectual capacity to perform well in most undergraduate and graduate college curriculums
Personal attributes important for Geography majors:
- Achievement-oriented
- Desire intellectual growth
- Independent
- Desire to help and influence mankind
- Persistent
- Desire to help people understand and adapt to their environment
- Keen interest in both the natural and social sciences
- Possess a spirit of scientific inquiry
- Curious
Related activities for Geography majors:
- Do an internship
- Attend geographical seminars and conferences
- Work part-time or volunteer in an architectural firm, geography office or on an archeological site
- Work in your school’s geography department
Print Resources:
-
Careers in Geography. Association of American Geographers (ask for most recent edition).
-
Geography-Tomorrow's Career. (Pamphlet), Association of American Geographers (as for most recent edition).
-
Careers in Geography. (Pamphlet), Association of American Geographers (ask for most recent edition).
-
Marek, Roseanne. Opportunities in Social Science Careers. VGM Career Books (ask for most recent edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
- American Geographical Society
- Association of American Geographers
- National Geographic Society
- Society of Women Geographers
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
